Outdoor Faucet Leaks When Turned On or Off
Wondering how to fix a leaky outdoor faucet? Faucet leaks can be frustrating and expensive. Our team of plumbers is here to break it down for you.
Having an outside faucet makes watering plants, cleaning vehicles, and completing other chores outside easy. However, a leaky outdoor faucet is an annoyance that can lead to water waste and even property damage. DIY plumbing fixes might work from time to time, but there are also times when you should simply call in the pros. Let us walk you through all the steps before you make any decisions about how to best repair your plumbing.
10 Easy Steps to Fix a Leaky Outdoor Faucet
1. Turn Off the Water
Locate the main water valve for your outdoor faucet and shut it off. This valve is often inside your house near the point where the faucet pipe enters the wall. If unavailable you may need to shut off the main water supply.
2. Drain the Faucet
Open the faucet to drain any remaining water in the line.
3. Remove the Handle
Remove the screw or nut securing the handle to the faucet. The handle should pull straight off after the nut’s removed.
4. Unscrew the Packing Nut
A leaking shut-off valve is often an issue with the packing nut, the part of the valve that provides a watertight seal around the valve stem. Use a wrench to loosen and remove it, but be careful not to damage the faucet stem.
5. Remove & Inspect the Stem Assembly
Pull out the stem assembly from the faucet housing and inspect the components for damage or wear, such as worn-out rubber washers or O-rings. Outdoor spigots can go through extreme temperature changes in their lifetime causing these parts to become worn and brittle.
6. Replace Faulty Parts
Take any damaged or worn-out parts to a hardware store to find suitable replacements, such as washers, O-rings, and seals.
7. Clean & Lubricate
Before installing the new parts, clean the stem assembly and the inside of the faucet housing. Remove any debris or mineral deposits that may affect the faucet’s performance. Apply a small amount of plumber’s grease or silicone lubricant to the O-rings and other moving parts for smooth operation.
8. Reassemble the Faucet
Put the new or repaired components back into the faucet housing. They should all fit snugly and align correctly. Reinstall the packing nut and use a wrench to tighten it firmly. We recommend using Teflon tape and to avoid over-tightening the nut.
9. Reattach the Handle
Slide the handle back onto the stem and secure it with the screw or nut. Make sure that it operates smoothly in both directions.
10. Turn On The Water & Test
Once the faucet is reassembled, open the main water valve slowly to restore the water supply. Check for any leaks around the faucet and make adjustments if necessary.
Other Types of Faucet Leaks
If your pipes are leaking somewhere other than the spigot, handle, or packing nut, or if you’ve never done any home repairs before, it’s probably best to call in a trusted local plumber near you. If they have the right experience and certifications, then fixing an outdoor faucet that leaks when turned on or off should be easy work for them.
Leaky Outdoor Faucet Repair Near Wallis TX
If you don’t have the time, interest, or energy to repair your leaky outdoor faucet in the Katy, Rosenberg, Sealy, Bellville, or nearby areas, we sure do. Helping home and business owners with their plumbing difficulties is what we do best. We have a team of local plumbers established all throughout our service area to get to you fast. Don’t hesitate to call and schedule a visit. With over 60 years of service in our local community, Janicek’s Plumbing has proven that we’re always happy to help, no matter how big or small your situation.